The great game of rugby is played and enjoyed around the world and here in the Kootenays. And now, the storied local men’s and women’s rugby teams — the Rogues — are hosting a series of camps in the New Year to bring rugby spirit to young people and introduce them to the fundamentals of the sport.
The Rocky Mountain Rogues’ rugby mini-camp for kids will be a fun, safe, and all-inclusive way to introduce kids to rugby.
The camps, set for Saturdays in January, 2024, are non-contact, for boys and girls ages four to 13. They will be held at the KEYSA dome in Balment Park in Cranbrook, and open to all kids. The only gear you need to take part are running shoes and a T-shirt.
“It’s one of the more affordable sports to play right now, and it’s definitely growing in the community,” says James McKinstrie, of the Rocky Mountain Rogues, and one of the organizers.
“We’re looking for as many children as we can. A lot of members of the Rogues [Men’s and Women’s] teams have kids who will be coming out. And many Rogues players will also serve as coaches. “
The Rocky Mountain Rogues of Rugby, the Cranbrook and Kimberley men’s and women’s teams, are a local sporting institution. The men’s team have won the provincial championship — the Saratoga Cup — three times in a row, including 2023, when the tournament was held in Cranbrook.
2023 also saw the inaugural women’s competition at the Saratoga Cup.
“In the Kootenays, the only rugby programs, beside the adult teams, are through the high schools,” McKinstrie said. “Players from the Rogues are involved in coaching the Mount Baker Secondary School and Selkirk Secondary School boys and girls programs, and as far as Invermere, helping coach and develop rugby programs in the [Columbia] Valley.”
The aim of the mini-camps is to build a good, strong foundation with the youth.
“The Rogues used to do the program about 10 years ago,” McKinstrie said. “And we’ve just seen the last of those kids in the rookie rugby program come up through the high school programs, and transitioning to the men’s teams.
“We’re trying to build a solid community of rugby among youth, in an all-inclusive way.”
One of the world’s great global sports, rugby is more than just a game. It’s a spirit, a lifestyle, and a community.
“Rugby is one of those games where it’s more of a lifestyle,” McKinstrie said. “Rugby is different. We need every shape and size of player. So there’s a spot for everybody. Once you get into it, you find that it’s fun, on and off the field to hang with these people.”
The international spirit of the sport is apparent as well, event here in southeast B.C.
“Living in the Kootenays we get so many students from different backgrounds, that have played from different countries. When they come over here they tend to find us — it’s fantastic camaraderie.”
There is a Facebook page for the mini-rugby camp — search for “Rogues Mini Rugby.” The registration form is available there, which includes additional information. You can also email rockymountainroguesrfc@gmail.com.
There is $50 registration fee per child. Every child gets a T-shirt with registration.
• The first sessions are set for January 6, 13, and 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. January 28 is 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. February 3 and 10 are back to 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.